The system consists of short audio signals sent by invisible infrared light beams from permanently installed transmitters to a hand-held receiver that decodes the signal and delivers the voice message through its speaker or headset. The signals are directional, and the beam width and distance can be adjusted. The system works effectively in both interior and exterior applications.

Talking Signs may be used wherever landmark identification and wayfinding assisstance are needed. To use a Talking Signs system, the user scans the environment with the hand-held receiver. As individual signals are encountered, the user hears the messages. For example, upon entering a lobby, one might detect "information desk" when pointing the receiver directly ahead, "public telephones" when pointing to the right and "stairs to the second floor" when pointing to the left.

Messages are unique and short, simple and straightforward. The messages repeat, continuously identifying key features in the environment.

• Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute at California Pacific Medical Center
• CalTrain Station, Fourth and Townsend Streets
• Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
• San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni)
• Department of Public Works Building
• Rose Resnick Lighthouse for the Blind
• New Main Library
• City Hall
• Civic Auditorium
• Bank of America
• Civic Center Courthouse
• War Memorial Building
• McKesson Plaza
• JCDecaux Street Furniture
• Intersection Crosswalks
• Outdoor Systems Bus Shelters
  • Van Ness at Market - NE corner
  • Van Ness at Grove - NE corner
  • Van Ness at McAllister - SE corner
  • Van Ness at McAllister - SW corner
  • Market between 4th and 5th - midblock
  • Market at Powell - NE corner
  • Market at Grant - NE corner
  • Kearny at Geary - NE corner
  • Market at 3rd - SE corner
  • 3rd at Stevenson - between Mission and Market
  • Mission at 3rd - NE corner
  • Market at Front - NW corner
  • Market at Beal - SE corner

• Berkeley, CA - University of California Berkeley
• Freemont, CA - California School for the Blind
• Santa Barbara, CA - University of California Santa Barbara
• Mashantucket, CT - Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center
• Jacksonville, IL - Illinois School for the Visually Impaired
• Boston, MA - Carroll Center for the Blind
• Kalamazoo, MI - Western Michigan University
• New York, NY - New York Lighthouse
• Austin, TX - Texas School for the Blind
• Janesville, WI - Wisconsin School for the Visually Handicapped
• Finland - Finnish Federation for the Blind
• Venice, Italy - Venice-Mestre Rail Station
• Yokohama, Japan - Rapport Center
• Glasgow, Scotland - Glasgow Sight Center